A striker who broke one of Luis Suarez's most famous goal-scoring records could have the perfect opportunity to get revenge over Tottenham Hotspur. In 2023, Feyenoord forward Santiago Gimenez hammered 31 goals over the course of a calendar year, shattering the 30 goal record Suarez set while playing for Ajax in 2009.
His incredible form saw him become linked with a move to Spurs earlier this year. Tottenham supporters thought a move was on the cards when Gimenez was spotted in the stands watching Ange Postecoglou's side's 3-2 home loss to Arsenal in the North London derby.
Yet, a matter of days later, Tottenham's interest in the Mexican international was suddenly dropped. A matter of months later, they were unveiling the £65million arrival of Dominic Solanke from Bournemouth. This summer, Gimenez could have the chance to haunt his former admirers, as Nottingham Forest are understood to be interested in an audacious move for him.
If Forest were to convince Feyenoord to part with Gimenez, then the prolific 23-year-old would have at least two opportunities to haunt Postecoglou and co in the Premier League. According to Transfermarkt, Gimenez is valued at around £34m, but it's currently unclear what figure would convince the Dutch giants to part with him.
His contract at the Stadion Feijenoord is set to expire in 2027. While he admitted he is happy at Feyenoord, Gimenez has also made it clear that if an exciting move presents itself, he would consider it.
While speaking to Rijnmond, Gimenez said: “If there is an opportunity which compares to Feyenoord, then I have to look at it. After that, we’ll see. I’m an ambitious person, but I’m still here and I have a contract. I’ll do my best for the club until the last day I’m here.
“The only one who knows whether I am ready for the next step or not is God. He determines my future and whether I am ready for it. I have told Dennis (Feyenoord chief executive Dennis te Kloese) and Brian (Feyenoord head coach Brian Priske) that they do not have to worry about my focus.”
The Perfect Revenge?
The Mexican international's move to Nottingham Forest would give him the chance to show Tottenham what they are missing. While Forest has already splashed out on a number of players this summer, including Elliott Anderson, Nikola Milenkovic, and Jota Silva, they appear to be short on attacking options.
Chris Wood and Taiwo Awoniyi are currently Forest's primary strikers, but both have their limitations. Wood is getting on in age, and Awoniyi has struggled to stay fit since he was signed from Union Berlin in 2022. Gimenez would bring a youthful exuberance and a knack for scoring goals to the City Ground.
If Gimenez were to join Forest, he would face Tottenham at least twice during the Premier League season. He would have the perfect opportunity to prove to Spurs that they made a mistake in dropping their interest in him.
Postecoglou's New Striker
Tottenham's manager, Ange Postecoglou, meanwhile, has been singing the praises of his club's recent signing, Dominic Solanke. In a recent press conference, Postecoglou said of Solanke: “He (Solanke) was obviously one I was very keen to get in. It took a while to get it over the line but I think he will be a great fit for us in terms of the player he is and the point of his career where he is at. I think he will be a good fit.
“As I said, we are a bit light in that front third in terms of adding quality not just to the squad but also to our team. He certainly does that. Pleased to get him on board and we have a week and a bit to work with him.
“We identified him because he has the attributes we are looking for in terms of our position. He gives us some things we probably have been missing in the last 12 months, particularly when Richarlison was out last year.
“When Richy played he was very effective for us, it was quite evident when he was out we didn’t really have a player who can make the impact Dom can in the final third and just with his general play. So I think he will be a good fit for us.”
Postecoglou clearly sees Solanke as a key player for Tottenham this season. However, if Gimenez does end up joining Nottingham Forest, then it will be interesting to see how the two players compare in the Premier League.
Gimenez vs. Solanke: The Battle of the Strikers
Gimenez and Solanke are both proven goal scorers. Both are in their early twenties, and both have the potential to be successful in the Premier League. However, their playing styles are quite different.
Gimenez is known for his pace, agility, and finishing ability. He is a natural goal scorer who thrives in one-on-one situations. Solanke, on the other hand, is a more physical striker who is comfortable holding up the ball and bringing others into play.
It will be fascinating to see how these two strikers fare in the Premier League this season. Could Gimenez end up proving to be the better signing? Could he even haunt his former admirers at Tottenham? Only time will tell.
